Looking for programs to deal with violent dementia issue.

STEVEN DARRELL IVY · June 20

My mother and father live outside Texas, my mother is talking about moving here with my father who has moderate to severe dementia. He has become increasingly irritable and violent, striking my mother repeatedly in the head, the last event causing a concussion and lacerations. I frankly do not know what to do about this and am not familiar with any Texas programs they may offer some help. My mother lives under constant stress and fear.

H1235 · June 21

Welcome. It sounds like your father needs a geriatric psychiatric facility. They can find the medication and dosage he needs. I think most mc facilities will not allow him in until he is being treated with the proper medication. I don’t know if you can just bring a loved one into this kind of facility or if there would need to be a referral. I would just call one and ask. If a referral is required, bring him to the hospital and tell them what is happening. One of the requirements for placing someone in this kind of facility is - are they harm to themselves or others. Clearly he is.

sandwichone123 · June 21

Wherever they are, your mom needs to call 911 when this happens. PWD have been known to seriously injure their caregivers, and he needs help immediately.

April23 · June 21

Your mom needs to call 911 the next time this happens and your father needs to be admitted to a geri-psych ward until his behaviors are under control. There are no programs to fix this, medication is the answer. I do agree that she should be closer to you because she obviously needs help.

pamu · June 22

As difficult as it will be to do, your mom will need to call 911 to get him the care he needs and for her safety. How far do you live from your parents? Walking him into an ER or doctor office will most likely not get him admitted to the geri-psych dept and your mom probably won't be able to get him to go anywhere in an agitated state. My mom (88YO) is in MC and it took two firemen, 2 EMT's and one of the physical therapists to get her on the gurney and brought to the ER for a psych eval (agitation and paranoia) two months ago. It was horrible to witness but we were reassured by the staff that unfortunately it's not uncommon. This wasn't her first time going to the ER for this. With that said it's difficult each time but this last time we felt relief once she was there and a plan was in place for treatment. If you're far from them you may need to plan a visit and be ready to call 911 during one of this agitated moments. It's very difficult - wishing you the best.

SusanB-dil · June 22

Totally agreeing with the others. MUST call 911 when this happens. Have him taken to geri-psych. If necessary, mom can also let them know that she doesn't feel safe in taking him back home. Hopefully they may be able to get him into a facility. However… that being said, that aggression MUST be dialed back before a place would even consider him. A geriatric psych can get him on the medications he needs and get him situated.

eaglemom · June 22

First off I'm sorry that this is happening to both of your parents. It is very scary. However, your father is a danger to your mother and to himself. The first rule has to be to keep your mom safe, period. No exceptions. Now I'm certain your mom doesn't want to call the authorities on him, too bad. She needs to get over herself. And yes that sounds very mean, I don't mean for it to be anything other than to get your attention. Your father can seriously harm your mom - when she's not around to take care of him, then what? You need to have a plan.

I am in TX and off hand I don't think any facility will take your father in the condition he's in right now. With proper medication and under doctors care, I would hope his aggression could be dialed down. But I'm not a nurse / physician. That has to be second on your list, the first is getting your mom safe.

I don't mean to be harsh, please don't take it that way. I'm being practical. Caregiving is difficult on everyone and safety is always priority one.

eagle

Looking for programs to deal with violent dementia issue.

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